Sam Graves: Ending the senseless government shutdown

It should have been no surprise that shutting down the government over a divisive immigration issue was a bad idea.

By Sam Graves, Missouri Congressional Representative, 6th District

For three days over this past weekend, the federal government was shut down. You probably found yourself scratching your head as to why such a drastic step was taken. Many, including myself, were left infuriated and asking ourselves, “what was the purpose?”

The answer is simple if we look at the facts.

Liberal Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer decided that fixing a controversial illegal immigration issue was more important than funding our military and providing health insurance for 9 million American children. The fact that the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program doesn’t expire for months didn’t stop the minority party from playing politics and effectively gambling with the livelihoods of countless American families.

Another reality is that this plot was devised in an effort to distract us from the success of President Trump’s first year in office. It’s no coincidence that after a year that saw major tax cuts for families, record-setting stock market growth, a declining unemployment rate and steady GDP growth, a manufactured crisis was used to distract our nation from these successes.

Fortunately, the American people saw through the political games. It should have been no surprise that shutting down the government over a divisive immigration issue was a bad idea. Due to pressure from the general public, Senator Schumer finally relented and the government is now open again.

For the strength of our military and the continued economic growth of our country, we need a long-term budget that properly funds our military and reigns in wasteful spending. I look forward to getting back to work for the American people and ensuring that our troops have the resources they need to keep this country safe.

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